Company Fined After Worker Suffers Serious Injury on Manufacturing Line

This is an abridgement of an article originally published by WorkSafe NSW.

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A Company has been fined $40,000 following an incident in May 2022 that resulted in a serious injury to a labour hire worker. The company pleaded guilty in the Dandenong Magistrates' Court to failing to provide a safe workplace. Along with the fine, they were ordered to pay $4,350 in costs.

The worker, who had been with the company for just a month, was tasked with changing bags on the extraction system, alongside his usual duties as a packer. While trying to clear a blockage with a plastic pipe, the pipe came into contact with a rotary valve, pulling his hand into the machine. This caused a partial amputation and severe injury to his finger.

WorkSafe’s investigation revealed that the machinery posed a serious risk, as workers could access moving parts while the machine was still running. It was determined that the company could have prevented this by installing a safety guard to block access during operation. Additionally, the company lacked a proper system for assessing risks, training workers on procedures, and ensuring maintenance personnel handled blockages.

In May 2024, the labour hire firm that supplied the injured worker, was also fined $25,000 for failing to provide a safe system of work.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety, Sam Jenkin, emphasised that all workers have a right to a safe workplace, particularly those new to a job. He urged employers to develop strong systems to manage risks and ensure workers’ safety, especially when dealing with dangerous machinery.

To prevent injuries like this, employers should:

• Identify hazards and eliminate or control risks
• Ensure machinery is fitted with safety guards
• Regularly inspect and maintain equipment
• Provide clear signage warning of machine dangers
• Train staff on safe use and provide procedures in their first language